TOGETHERNESS struck a chord with many friends and families sharing a joyful sing along to Christmas carols and meeting Santa last Friday evening in Broadford. However, it was the Fleming Family singers, who stole the show.
Emcee Paul Fleming introduced Christchurch Rev Father Andre and Assistant Rev, Cathy Turnbull to parishioners at the third magical year of carols in the carpark at Gavan Hall.
Nearby, residents of St Matthews Village also enjoyed the holy event from the comfort of their own homes.
Paul Fleming said: “It’s really great to have Cathy as the new Anglican Priest here to watch over us and to take care of us, this parish”.
The Mitchell Shire Salvation Army volunteers Lauren and Glenys Kirkham served up a free sausage sizzle complete with cool drinks and sweet cakes from its Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) catering truck Pearl.
In between carols dedicated to rejoicing the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, read by an anonymous narrator shared the holy Christmas story.
A cool change around 6.30pm was a welcome relief, especially for the Fleming Family Singers back by popular demand to entertain with live music.
A crowd favourite was a grand finale hard rock version of “We wish you a Merry Christmas”.
The Fleming family singers travelled from Melbourne while Santa travelled from the North pole and he recruited two young helpers to help him ring the jolly bell and hand out lollies to all the children.
Joan Grimwade also travelled to be at the carols.
Mrs Fred Grimwade said: “It was my [late] husband who established St Matthews Village a long time ago [1975]”.
“I would still call Glenaroua home, even though I have an apartment in Melbourne. I think what they are doing with the churches coming together is wonderful. The whole night has been brilliant,” she said.
The joy came at no expense to parishioners thanks to the collaboration between the Christian Churches of Broadford’s generosity.
Cathy Turnbull said: “If anyone is lonely or they need just a listening ear [over the holidays] they can definitely call me. We can go to a café and have coffee and just have a chat”.
For those wishing to mark Christmas with Christianity, the following services are scheduled:
Father Andre is holding a service at Christchurch, 11 Union Street, Kilmore on Wednesday, December 24 at 5pm and a midnight mass at St Matthews, 72 High Street in Broadford at 11pm.
A Christmas Day service will be held at Christchurch, Kilmore at 9am and another at St Stephen’s Church, Hedleys Lane, Tallarook at 11am.
The Anglican Parish of Hume is holding a Christmas Eve Service at St John’s Church, 37 Wandong Avenue, Wandong with carols followed by mince pies and drinks commencing at 7.30pm and also at St Peters Hume Anglican Grammar, 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham for a midnight Eucharist commencing at 11pm.
